After having to be patient for opportunities in the first half of the season, midfielder Saurap Sampang is now finally getting the chances that he deserves for Arsenal U18s.
The 17-year-old, who can play as a defensive midfielder or slightly further forwards, didn’t feature at all for the U18s before the Winter break despite having signed scholarship terms last summer after progressing through the ranks at Hale End.
Now, however, the youngster is firmly part of the squad after other players such as Theo Julienne stepped up to the U21s.
Sampang has started the last two league games for the U18s and will be looking to retain his place in the lineup for the remainder of the campaign.
A hard-working player, he often battles well to win the ball back and also possesses an impressive passing range.
Earlier this season Sampang made his debut for the U21s as a substitute in the heavy defeat to Liverpool.
The prospect has represented England at youth level and is also eligible to play for Nepal.
Having waited so long for his chance, Sampang will now be especially determined to show what he is capable of .
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird